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Service bulletins for the 2021 Ford Explorer

A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.

326 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.

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Bulletins, newest first
SSM 503482021-12-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2022 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with multiple diagnostic trouble codes (DTC). These DTCs may include P04F0, P008A, P0451, P0455, P0456, P0496 and/or P018C. This may be due to the wiring harness connection at connector C1198. Prior to replacement of any components, inspect the connector and wiring harness for any damage or pin fit concerns. If any damage or pin fit concerns are found, repair the connector or harness as necessary. If no damage or pin fit concerns are found, refer to normal diagnostics.
SSM 503462021-12-26. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. Some 2018-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit inoperative remote features via the Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile app, incomplete user authorization, no modem electronic serial number (ESN) displayed or DTCs U2100 and/or B156D in the telematics control unit (TCU). These symptoms may persist even after performing a TCU software update and/or replacement. To correct this condition, start a new session with the latest version of the appropriate diagnostic scan tool and perform a PMI on the TCU. If issues persist, open a hotline assistance request and include the IDS version (if applicable) used to perform the PMI and the Authorization Status PID value in the TCU datalogger. For claiming use causal part 14G229 and applicable labor times in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 503292021-12-26. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2021 Bronco/F-150/Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles, non-hybrid, may exhibit harsh/delayed engagement and/or harsh/delayed shift concerns. These may be addressed with the powertrain control module (PCM)/transmission control module (TCM) Transmission Accelerated Main Control Break In Routine. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01, DTC Chart and/or Diagnosis By Symptom to identify the clutch(s) to be cycled. Cycling the shift solenoids and clutch control valves to remove contamination must be performed along with an adaptive drive cycle before attempting repair. This routine's usage has been expanded for various symptoms across the life of the vehicle. For claiming, use causal part 7A100 and applicable labor operations in Section 7 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 503212021-12-26. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with AWD may exhibit a binding or shudder sensation while turning and/or while accelerating from low speeds. The concern may also be described as a grinding and/or chatter noise. If the Workshop Manual (WSM) leads to replacement of the rear axle, inspect the differential for damage and differential fluid for metallic chunks in the fluid. Note that some metallic flake in the fluid and/or discoloration is normal and the rear axle should not be replaced for it. If no damage is found to the rear differential, it is not recommended to replace the rear axle assembly. Instead, refer to the Symptom Charts in WSM, Section 308-07 for further diagnosis of the transfer case.
SSM 503062021-12-07. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2018-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator; 2019-2021 Ranger; 2020-2021 Escape, Corsair, Explorer, Transit; 2021 Bronco, Bronco Sport, Edge, Nautilus, F-150, Mustang; 2019-2022 Transit Connect; 2020-2022 Aviator, F-Super Duty; and 2022 Maverick vehicles may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0496, P0456, P0455, P04F0, and/or P0451. Ford has tested returned EVAP canister purge valves and found them to be fully functional. Prior to replacing the canister purge valve or other EVAP components, perform the following tests using the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) Scan Tool: Full System EVAP Leak Test - FDRS Location: TOOLBOX > PCM > PCM - Evap Emissions System Test and the EVAP Purge Valve Leak Test - FDRS Location: TOOLBOX > PCM > Evap Emission System Toolbox > CPV Check.
SSM 502522021-12-07. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS; UNKNOWN OR OTHER. On 2020-2021 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles, customers may desire modifications that require access to the driver's door ajar circuit. In some cases customers may experience an ajar light on when the driver's door is fully closed. When using pin 13 on the factory 14-way connector to access the driver's door ajar circuit, a 70 mA maximum coil current relay with an integrated clamping diode is required to protect against damage to the door latch. Failure to install this correctly will result in repeat warnings that the driver's door latch / door ajar light will remain on until it is compliant with police modifier's bulletin P-032, which can be found on the Police body builder's site (https://fordbbas.com/publications).
TSB 21-24112021-12-01. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. This article supersedes TSB 21-2342 to update the Issue, Action, and Service Procedure. Some 2019-2020 Edge/F-150/Fusion/Continental/MKZ/Nautilus, 2019-2021 Mustang/Ranger/Transit Connect, 2020-2021 EcoSport/Escape/Expedition/Explorer/F-Super Duty/Aviator/Corsair/Navigator and 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to: Sirius audio not functioning properly after a key cycle with active subscription Presets not responding or indicating properly Intermittent audio echo/robotic voice heard during a Bluetooth phone call Wi-Fi connection message pop-up every key cycle Frozen unresponsive touchscreen Solid blue screen when moving forward at speeds above 16 km/h (10 mph) (2019 vehicles only) Rear parking aid camera remains on the screen at speeds below 16 km/h (10 mph) (2019 vehicles only) Inoperative infotainment applications Poor/no AppLink function Apple CarPlay not launching on connection or a black screen when connected Voice prompts that skip or have short pauses while directions are being provided
21U062021-11-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; ENGINE; EQUIPMENT. Certain 2021 Explorer Vehicles Equipped with 2.3L Engines ; Inspect Left Hand Engine Mount in some of the affected vehicles, the left hand (LH) engine mount may leak hydraulic fluid. Once it leaks enough fluid, the mount will no longer perform as intended. This can lead to increased vehicle vibration and noise.
TSB 21-23422021-11-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Some 2019-2020 Edge/F-150/Fusion/Continental/MKZ/Nautilus, 2019-2021 Mustang/Ranger/Transit Connect, 2020-2021 EcoSport/Escape/Expedition/Explorer/F-Super Duty/Aviator/Corsair/Navigator and 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software.
TSB 21-22542021-11-02. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT. Some 2020-2021 Escape/Corsair vehicles built on or before 30-Mar-2021 and Explorer/Aviator vehicles built on or before 09-Apr-2021 may exhibit a slow fuel fill and/or spit back condition during refueling. This may be due to the design of the fuel tank filler pipe. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the fuel tank filler pipe.
SSM 501842021-10-29. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:CLUTCHES/BANDS:ACTUATORS/SOLENOIDS. Some 2021 Bronco/F-150/Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles, excluding hybrid, may exhibit harsh or delayed engagement/shift concerns. Most concerns may be addressed with the PCM/TCM Transmission Accelerated Main Control Break In Routine. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01, DTC Chart and/or Diagnosis By Symptom to identify the clutch(s) to be cycled. This routine cycles the shift solenoids and clutch control valves to remove contamination that may be sticking the valves and must be performed along with an adaptive drive cycle before attempting internal service. Although this routine was developed for low mileage vehicles, its usage is being expanded for various symptoms across the life of the vehicle.For claiming, use causal part 7A100 and applicable labor operations in Section 7 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 501712021-10-29. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL. Some 2019-2021 Edge/Nautilus/Ranger, 2020-2021 Escape/Corsair/Explorer, and 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 2.0L/2.3L EcoBoost may exhibit a lack of power with an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P02AB, P0243, P0299, P1464, P25B3, P25B4, P2AB7, P2AB8 and/or P2AB9. This may be due to an inoperative wastegate actuator, missing wastegate actuator e-clip or non-visible damage to the actuator rod. A lower level service component has been released, K2GZ-9G488-B for Edge/Nautilus/Escape/Corsair/Bronco Sport vehicles and LB5Z-9G488-B for Explorer/Ranger vehicles, for service to replace the actuator, actuator rod and both e-clips. When replacing the wastegate actuator, it is important to replace all parts in the service kit. Turbocharger replacement is not necessary to correct the condition.
SSM 501562021-10-01. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Some 2021 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.3L or 5.0L engine, Transit vehicles equipped with a 3.5L Duratec engine, and Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 3.3L engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0106 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) after key-off transportation of the vehicle to higher altitudes. To correct the condition, clear the DTCs, cycle the ignition to OFF, cycle the ignition to ON, wait ten seconds, cycle the ignition to OFF, wait ten seconds, then start the engine. If the condition remains, refer to the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) Manual for diagnostics.
TSB 21-22972021-09-30. Service bulletin. AIR BAGS:SENSOR:SIDE IMPACT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator and 2021 Bronco vehicles may exhibit an illuminated airbag warning indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B1404:13 and/or B1407:13. This may be due to contamination and relative movement in the connection between the wiring harness and the side airbag. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to replace the affected connector with a service pigtail and the affected side airbag.
TSB 21-22942021-09-30. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:DOGS/SYNCHROS. Some 2019-2020 Edge/F-150/Fusion/Continental/MKZ/Nautilus, 2019-2021 Mustang/Ranger/Transit Connect, 2020-2021 EcoSport/Escape/Expedition/Explorer/F-Super Duty/Aviator/Corsair/Navigator and 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software.
TSB 21-22932021-09-30. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT; EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator hybrid vehicles may exhibit a brake pedal pulsation or vibration when the brakes are applied. The customer may state that the anti-locking brake system (ABS) system is activating without any indicators on the instrument panel cluster (IPC). This may be due to the regenerative braking software in the ABS module. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure Steps to perform a coordinated flash on the powertrain control module (PCM) and ABS module.
SSM 501512021-09-28. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator Hybrids, 2021 Corsair Hybrid, 2021 F-150 PowerBoost, and 2021 Mustang Mach-E vehicles may exhibit a no-start with a Stop Safely Now warning message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC). The vehicle may have one or more of the following DTCs P0A23, P0A6F, P0A72, P0A75, P0A71, P0A74, P0A77, P0DFA, P06B1, P0A47, P1A0E set by the secondary on-board diagnostic module C (SOBDMC) or secondary on-board diagnostic module B (SOBDMB). This may be due to a drop in the 12-volt circuit. These DTCs will often occur at vehicle key-on and may be difficult to reproduce. Before replacement of the SOBDMC or SOBDMB, diagnose any low voltage DTCs (P0562, U3003) in other modules in the 12V system. If low voltage (less than 10V) is observed in these DTCs snapshot, diagnose the 12v system first. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 418-00.
SSM 501062021-09-28. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit the A/C blowing warm air with DTC P0645 present in the heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) module. This may be due to spread terminal/terminal pushout in wire harness 14290 and on the corresponding pins to the body control module C (BCMC). Before replacement of the BCMC, disconnect all connectors from the BCMC and check the BCMC pins and wire terminals for damage. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 419-10. If spread terminals or terminal pushout is present, repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Diagram, Cell 005 for repair procedures. Reconnect all connections to the BCMC as indicated by the procedure in the Shop manual. Test the function of the A/C to ensure that it is blowing cold air.
SSM 500822021-09-28. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit an inoperative driver switchpack (windows inop, mirror control unresponsive, etc.). DTC B1088:87 may be present in the DDM. To correct the condition perform the Driver Door Module (DDM) configuration application using the Ford diagnostic scan tool. After running the configuration application, perform a window learn routine via the ford diagnostic scan tool. The condition can also be resolved by letting the vehicle enter a deep sleep cycle. Engineering is currently investigating this concern and will be releasing a service fix. Let the customer know they can continue to drive the vehicle and schedule service appointments for customers once the repair becomes available. For claiming, use causal part 14B291 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
SSM 500642021-09-04. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC:SOFTWARE/PROGRAMMING. Some 2013-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00. The brake rotors should only be machined if directed by the WSM because one or more of the following conditions are present on the braking surface: scoring, excessive corrosion/rust or pitting, bluing/discoloration and/or heat spots. For additional information, refer to WSM section 206-00.
SSM 500492021-09-04. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:DOGS/SYNCHROS. Some 2017-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicle customers may receive a message in their FordPass or Lincoln Way App stating Feature Unavailable. Since this is a fleet vehicle, it cannot access the SYNC Connect or FordPass Connect feature or Lincoln Connect or Embedded Modem Do not replace the TCU or perform any repair to resolve this condition. Refer the owner of the vehicle to Ford Pass Guides or Lincoln Way Concierge Teams to assist in removing the fleet telematics subscription.
SSM 500462021-09-04. Service bulletin. ENGINE; POWER TRAIN:TRANSMISSION CASE/HOUSING. Some 2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility/F-150 Hybrid vehicles equipped with a 10R80 modular hybrid transmission (MHT) may exhibit a transmission fluid leak at the engine disconnect clutch pressure sensor. This condition may be due to loose engine disconnect clutch pressure sensor fasteners. To correct the condition, tighten the engine disconnect clutch pressure sensor fasteners per Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01. Replacing the engine disconnect clutch sensor is not necessary to correct the condition.
SSM 500452021-09-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2018-2021 Ford/Lincoln vehicles equipped with a wireless charging pad may exhibit an inoperative charging pad, slow charging, a notification that the phone has been mispositioned on the charging pad and/or the phone charging icon in the center screen is not showing. This may be due to the customer's phone if they are using an iPhone 12. Vehicles equipped with a wireless charging pad are designed to charge best with phones that follow the Qi standard. The iPhone 12 hardware currently does not follow the Qi standard for wireless charging. This may make it difficult for Ford and Lincoln vehicles to wirelessly charge this specific phone. The phone can still be charged using the USB cable if the vehicle experiences the above symptoms. If the customer is using an iPhone 12, verify the wireless charging pad works with a Qi certified phone prior to any part replacements.
SSM 500392021-09-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Some 2016-2021 Ford or Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 or SYNC 4 may exhibit a blank screen or other various SYNC symptoms only when the vehicle is in transport mode. This is considered normal due to the power saving features enabled while in transport mode. It is beneficial for battery life to keep the vehicle in transport mode until the vehicle is prepped for sale. To prevent a SYNC system lockup during transport mode deactivation, follow the Workshop Manual (WSM) procedure exactly allowing time for the SYNC system to complete its tasks such as fully booting up or powering down and shutting off before moving to the next step of the procedure. If the vehicle exhibits a blank screen or SYNC symptoms after transport mode deactivation, refer to WSM, Section 415-00 for normal diagnosis. The SYNC version can be confirmed via OASIS.
SSM 500152021-09-04. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM; VISIBILITY; EQUIPMENT. Some 2020-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles are equipped with an anti-fogging feature known as enhanced windshield anti fogging strategy (EWAFS). This feature automatically adjusts airflow in the cabin to prevent the windshield from fogging up and may be perceived by customers as irregular climate control functionality. To reduce fogging, the EWAFS functions include: the air condition (A/C) button may turn on and off automatically, recirculated air may turn off automatically in all air modes except MAX A/C, recirculated air may also turn on and off automatically in various airflow modes in order to improve heating or cooling efficiency, and in auto climate control, high humidity conditions may automatically engage A/C compressor, increase blower motor speed and/or direct more air to windshield. Continue to monitor the Workshop Manual (WSM) for EWAFS updates.

The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.